
Member Reviews

Here's your invitation to visit some very unusual homes; homes made of intricately woven fibers, spun silk, and manufactured paper. You'll meet the creators of these marvelous abodes - insects, birds, and mammals. It's a fascinating tour, enhanced by the author's poems and amazing artwork.
This one's a treat for all ages.

Thank you Netgalley, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company and Isabelle Simler for the eArc of Home.
Being a lover of nature, and that love carries on with my own family. I sat with them all and read this book together. We all enjoyed Home very much. Each illustration is adorned with a poem which describes each animal. Weaving science, habitats and all sorts of wonderful information to 27 different animals. It was so rich in information that this can be read over and over again from any age. Information being pulled with each read and a delight to look at. Isabelle Simler is a very talented women, not only great with prose and beautifully flowing writing but also beautiful illustrations.
5 stars

This lovely book highlights the diverse beauty of homes in the animal world. Rich with detailed images that showcase the fantastic architectural design of some very particular animals, it will educate as well as inspire. Each entry is a poem that gives a glimpse into the uniqueness of the homes of twenty-seven animals, be they found in trees, water, underground, or elsewhere. With rich vocabulary and illustrations, Simler describes the construction materials, purposes, techniques, habitats and sustainability of these built environments. Weaving scientific description into the simplicity of poetry, this book is approachable, imaginative and sophisticated all at the same time. Stimulating the reader to wonder and think beyond the text, it can easily flow in the STEM teaching resources realm, or even in a writing or art class, or... just as pure, fun reading! This is a thoughtfully created, beautiful and awe-inspiring book. The author has included additional information about the animals presented, a glossary, and a list of useful resources at the end of the book. Highly recommended.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Author Isabelle Simler is one of my absolute favorite authors and artists. I liked this book about animals' different homes, but her artwork makes her books.

The art in this book is gorgeous and evocative. The simple pencil lines, kept distinct rather than blended, were very eye-catching. The text length was perfect on each page for my kiddos, who also enjoyed the variety of homes and imagining what it would be like to live in each one.

Oh how I loved this! The art and poetry! What a lovely book to share with your children! The art was so incredibly beautiful. I wanted to hang the pages on my walls.

WOW!! Such beautiful artwork and poetic storytelling to show how all these unusual animals live. Home means something different to everyone, and there are so many unique homes here. This is a fantastic book for people who love art and/or nature. While appropriate for younger readers, I think adults will share my amazement. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Isabelle Simler's 'Home' describes twenty-seven fantastic creatures in their habitats and homes. Intricate illustrations coupled with beautifully written poems make this book a treasure to behold. Isabelle is both the author and illustrator of 'Home,' which was originally written in French and translated into English by Vineet Lal.
The book starts out...
"I've been to some truly amazing homes.
To explore these unique places, I've had
to bend, and shrink, and squeeze, and
let myself be transformed in weird and
wonderful ways.
I've curled up in a hazel leaf,
and disappeared under a stone, and bathed
in a drop of dew...
I've woken up as an ant. And a bird.
Even a sea snail.
And I've imagined life in these homes,
all so very different to my own."
The following animals are featured in this book. The illustrations are amazing and I would love to share them with you. For that, you'll have to purchase the book. Below is one of the author's poems.
Eurasian Penduline Tits
Common Octopuses
Comet Moths
European Fan Worms
Common Tailorbirds
Eurasian Beavers
Common Wasps
Hummingbirds
Weaver Ants
Hermit Crabs
Foam-Nest Tree Frogs
Satin Bowerbirds
Cross Orbweaver Spiders
LACE CITADEL
of the cross orbweaver spider
Araneus diadematus
"I live in the vertical plane,
in a complex structure
made from the strongest
and most elastic material there is.
If it gets damaged, I recycle my wheel
by eating my house of silk.
That gives me the energy
to weave a new one.
In this satin-smooth spiral,
mind where you put your feet.
Because at dinner time,
it's better to be the host than the guest."
With a midnight blue background, the illustration is dotted with tiny white dots (maybe stars in the distance). I am merely speculating. About 85% of the page is covered in an intricate web, with the spider working along the perimeter. It's an amazing web. There are some leaves that are reminiscent of peacock feathers. The designs are stunning. Brown and tan shades characterize the spider. Due to its beauty, I'm going to call the spider a she. Its legs are long and fuzzy. On its back, it displays a beautiful pattern that is similar to a turtle's shell.
Cathedral Termites
Case-Making Caddisflies
Golden Eagles
Sociable Weavers
Eurasian Harvest Mice
Elf Owls
Carrier Snails
Diving Bell Spiders
Honeybees
Alpine Marmots
Baya Weavers
Sumatran Orangutans
Red Ovenbirds
Hazel-Leaf Roller Weevils
This is a book that I definitely plan to add to my home library. Adults and children alike will enjoy this book. This book is a must-have.

Home spotlights 27 animals and their habitats through beautiful illustrations and poetic descriptions. This book was so unique, and I loved learning about animals I knew very little about. The illustrations are so colorful and detailed, and the poetry provides both whimsy and knowledge. I really enjoyed the extra facts at the end about each animal,
Perfect for fans of poetry and science.
I received a DRC from Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: "Home (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers)" by Isabelle Simler
Rating: 5 Stars
"Home" by Isabelle Simler is a delightful and enchanting exploration of the diverse dwellings of twenty-seven fascinating animals from around the world. From the hermit crab's unique shell to the beaver's intricate dam, this book takes readers on a poetic journey through the remarkable homes created by different creatures.
Simler's lyrical poetry beautifully captures the science behind nesting and homebuilding, making it an engaging read for both young and old nature enthusiasts. The detailed illustrations intricately bring to life the habitats of these creatures, drawing readers into a world of wonder and creativity.
One of the standout features of "Home" is its ability to connect biological concepts such as life cycles and camouflage to the animal homes showcased in the book. This not only educates readers about the natural world but also sparks curiosity and appreciation for the ingenuity of our animal neighbors.
With its captivating storytelling, stunning artwork, and informative back matter, "Home" is more than just a children's book – it is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of nature. I highly recommend this book as a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the wonders of the animal kingdom. It is a true masterpiece that will inspire readers to marvel at the extraordinary places creatures call home.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️